Indian U-19 cricketer Shivam Mavi, who impressed everyone by bowling at speeds of around 145 kmph, says he sees all-rounder Hardik Pandya as his competition in the Indian national cricket team.

Shivam Mavi, who was a part of Indian U-19 team which won the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup held in New Zealand by beating Australian U-19 team in the finals on February 3, received a warm welcome when he arrived at his home in Noida, Uttar Pradesh.

On being asked about his competitor in the Indian national team, Shivam said,

“Currently, I see Hardik Pandya as my competitor.”

Asked about his bowling speed, Shivam said he wanted to improve and would touch 150 kmph mark in future games.

“I touched 145 kmph in the just concluded (ICC U-19)World Cup, now I am focusing on 150 kmph.”

He added,

“Besides speed, I know the art of how to swing in the air, I think this is the positive point I’ve,” Shivam added.

Shivam, who had been auctioned off to Shah Rukh Khan co-owned Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 3 crore in the IPL 2018 auctions held in Bengaluru on January 27 and 28, also said that his focus will be more in performing domestic cricket as selectors pick more players from the domestic level for the national team rather than through IPL.

“To get selected for the Indian national team, I would rather focus on performing at the domestic level rather than in the upcoming IPL season to grab the selectors’ eye. The more you play domestic cricket, the more chances you have to get picked for Indian national team.”